Walter William White

EPSOM – Walter William White, "Billy" to those who knew and loved him, passed away in his sleep early on the morning of Feb. 18, 2016, at the age of 90. He died of mediocracy, as he could no longer drive, drink, sail, devour a steak or flirt. Billy was born July 7, 1925, the second of 13 children of Everett White and the second child of six of Everett and Alice Stevenson White. At 17, he forged his father's signature on enlistment papers and joined the U.S. Navy. Serving with distinction in World War II, he would spend the next 20 years sailing the world in service to our country.

He moved to New Hampshire in 1972 where he owned and managed the Concord Street Market in Concord until opening Billy's Restaurant at the Epsom traffic circle, which he ran from 1974-89. In his 60s, Billy returned to sea as a United States Merchant Marine, where he would go on to spend another 20 years at sea, serving his country on ships attached to the U.S. Navy in Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Operation Hope, and Iraqi Freedom. He was a Freemason and a Shriner, he could be seen marching with his fellow Shriners in the Bektash Temple marching band unit, happily playing his symbols. Billy was also an active member of the local Elks Lodge, Eagles, Concord VFW, Concord American Legion, and Moose club. His lighthearted and generous nature meant there was always a place at the table for one more and a place to stay. Many times, he provided shelter in his home for friends in need. A master chef and baker, he was most himself when he was cooking for others, whether it was at his restaurant, large family meals, one of the many clubs which he volunteered his time, or one of his notorious summer birthday parties at his home in Epsom, which always included a fireworks display to rival anywhere else in New Hampshire. Of all things, family, friends, fun and the sea were his passions. His regular poker game was always an uproarious event held around the same table he served Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve dinner. While standing at the head of the table he would give a lengthy thanks for all those who he loved and cared for, something everyone waited for.

Billy is survived by his daughter, Candace White Bouchard, her husband, Joe, and son, Jed, of Concord; his sons Walter White and his wife, Lynn, and sons Billy and Robert of Florida; William White and his four children Clayton, Corissa, Walter and Calvin of Montana. Granddaughters Heidi Raymond of California, Chelsea Drew of Epsom and Mallory Drew of Chichester; and nine great-grandchildren; his brother, Joe White, of Epsom; Dennis and his wife, Carol White, of Massachusetts; Everett White of California and Jimmy White of Florida; his sisters Dolores Urciolli and Marie Giardina of Massachusetts; and many nieces and nephews.

Billy was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, who supported and loved him for some unknown reason, Theresa Maher White; his daughter, Crystal Drew White; four brothers Larry, Bobby, Donny and Kenny White; and his sisters Alice McNulty and Rose Marie Govostos.

Calling hours will take place Friday, Feb. 26 from 4-7 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Church in Northwood on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m., followed by a celebration of his life party that would make the old man proud at the Epsom Elks Lodge. A private family burial will be held Monday, February 29, 11 a.m., at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.

Donations in his memory may be made to the New Hampshire Veterans Home Benefit Fund, 139 Winter St., Tilton 03276.